The sad thing, of course, is that this voting is non-binding. Indeed, the voting page itself says “If you could choose, who would you like to participate,” underscoring the fact that we cannot choose. Not all players want to do this thing. Despite the evidence on it not being terribly conclusive, a lot of them think that swinging in the Derby messes them up in the second half of the season. It almost certainly tires them out on a day they’d be resting anyway.

Personally, I’d like to see a skills exhibition with players doing Tom Emansky-style drills, but I’d guess that’s a pipe dream.

Craig,
I hope you’re not busy during the All-Star break. I just voted for you about 20 times to represent the NL. Seriously. This could be some real fun for HBT fans. Let’s hope you have a Braves jersey that fits.

Looking back, I probably should’ve voted for some lesser competition to give you at least a chance in this thing. Other voters may take heed.

I would like to see a speed competition, starting at home plate, run the bases and return to home plate. This could be run between rounds of the Home Run Derby and have the speedsters of the National and American Leagues square off.

This is actually a pretty cool idea. I’ve at various times heard Ellsbury, Gardner, Peter Bourjos, and Tony Campana called “the fastest player in baseball.” Guys like Crawford, Bourn, McCutchen and Reyes should probably be in the discussion too. I’d like to see them try to settle it.